A runaway hit for reedman Tom Scott – and the record that helped to elevate him to the ranks of studio and fusion superstardom in the 70s! By the time of the record, Scott had already done some key work under his own name, and was contributing heavily to countless other sessions in the jazz, pop, soul, and soundtrack worlds. But this album's the one that really helped Tom get his groove out there – a particular approach to smooth fusion that still kept things plenty funky overall! Part of the credit for the set really goes to bassist Max Bennett and drummer John Guerin – who bring in a tightly snapping bottom that lets Scott get a bit smoother on the top with his saxes, in a style that's augmented by plenty of great keyboard work from Larry Nash. Titles include "Keep On Doin It", "Tom Cat", "Rock Island Rocket", "Mondo", "Refried", "Backfence Cattin", and "Love Poem". LP, Vinyl record album

An excellent album that features some great Fender Rhodes work from the mighty Frank Cunimondo! Frank's more famous for his oft-sampled work with singer Lynn Marino – but this album's a lot more obscure, and features Frank doing amazing work on electric and acoustic piano, aided and abetted by drummer Roger Humphries and bassist Mike Taylor. The format of the album is simple, but the sound is incredible – with lots of complicated fills and grooves from the rhythm section, a perfect platform for Frank to get all warm and moody on the keys, ringing out in that subtly funky style that's made him a favorite on the groove scene for years. Includes sublime versions of "Wichita Lineman" and "We've Only Just Begun" – both done in a mellow funk mode that's just great – plus the tracks "Seven Steps To Heaven", "Echoes", "You've Made Me So Very Happy", "Remembering Our Love", and "Bonnie B". CD

A soulful and ambitious session from saxophonist Nathan Davis – a funky little gem that's got a lot more to offer than just a simple tribute to Dr King! Nathan penned the set in a mode that's expanded from most of his other albums – using larger horns and electric instrumentation to give the record a groove that's almost like funky 70s soundtrack work, but which is also offset by some shorter, more introspective tracks that feature spoken narration about King and his legacy – read by Donald M Henderson, and done in an extremely poetic way. The session's as righteous as it is grooving – and showcases a side of Davis' talents we never even knew he had – a rich larger musical vision, handled perfectly throughout! Nathan plays a range of reed instruments on the album, and Frank Cunimondo plays some sweet electric piano on the record – and singer Brenda Joyce provides lyrics on a few numbers as well. Titles include "Funk A Dilly Molly", "MLK", "Atlanta Walk", "Mean Business", "Latin Happ'n", and "New Dues". CD